FCC orders creation of reassigned numbers database

On December 12, 2018, the Federal Communications Commission issued a report and order for the creation of a reassigned numbers database. This database is intended to reduce the number of phone calls intended for someone else. Here’s how it will work.

Reassigned number database highlights

• The reassigned numbers database will be managed by an independent third-party administrator selected through a competitive bidding process.
• Each month, voice providers and the toll-free number administrator will report information about permanently disconnected numbers to the reassigned numbers database administrator.
• The database will generally available for anyone to inquire whether a phone number has been permanently disconnected.
• The order requires a minimum of 45 aging days before providers can reassign a permanently disconnected number to another subscriber.
• Smaller providers will have an additional six months to begin reporting permanently disconnected phone numbers to the database administrator.
• The FCC grants safe harbor from TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) liability to callers who relied on the database yet inadvertently made a call to a reassigned number because of an error in the database.

The FCC announced this report and order as Second Report and Order (FCC 18-177).

More on TransNexus.com

November 26, 2018

FCC proposed rules on robotexting and robocall prevention